Detroit – The question was asked of coach Todd McLellan after Wednesday’s victory in Calgary, after another standout game from forward Alex DeBrincat.
The USA roster for February’s Winter Olympics might have a few openings, and general manager Bill Guerin will have numerous NHL players to choose from. There’s a long list of outstanding USA forwards, and many will be left at home in February simply because there’s not enough room for Guerin to include everyone.
There are going to be disappointed hockey players, for sure.
On the Red Wings, Dylan Larkin is a lock after his great 4 Nations Tournament in February and a terrific start this season. There will also be a strong sentiment to include Patrick Kane on the USA roster, given Kane’s experience, Hall of Fame career, and that he’s still thriving offensively this season.
But there’s another deserving Wings forward. DeBrincat, after his two-goal, three-point night in Calgary, currently leads the Wings with 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists), one more than Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
DeBrincat has shown improvement defensively the last couple seasons and has also shown he’s able to play a grinding, edgy style if needed, capable of getting under opponents’ skins.
DeBrincat is making a strong argument to be included on Team USA, and McLellan stumped for his player after the victory over Calgary.
“There’s going to be a lot of questions and Billy Guerin and (Canadian GM) Doug Armstrong and the international teams, they have a tough job. There is so many good players in our game right now,” McLellan told reporters. “Would I like to see Alex DeBrincat there? Do I think he deserves to be there? Yes. But there’s a lot of players out there, and fortunately, I don’t have to make those decisions.”
When DeBrincat’s name is brought up, it’s usually in tandem with his goal-scoring ability and offensive instincts. But what has stood out watching DeBrincat daily for McLellan, since becoming the Wings’ coach last year, is DeBrincat’s determination.
“You talk about offense, but I’ll go to his competitiveness,” McLellan said. “He’s a hungry, feisty player that competes every night. It doesn’t matter where we play, whether it’s three (games) in three (nights), five games in five nights if you had to, he’d give you everything he had.
“That shot of his is a weapon. (But) the ability he has to connect with Patrick Kane is also something that’s really important for both of them. But he’s having a hell of a year. We’re really happy for him.”
McLellan spoke recently of DeBrincat’s versatility, but also the fact DeBrincat’s diligence would make him a good fit on any line, in any part of the Wings’ lineup.
“He could go anywhere in our lineup and he’d play the same game over and over again,” McLellan said. “When you have a player like that, that doesn’t play outside of his skin or change the way he is when you move him around, that’s pretty valuable. Sometimes individuals will do something they won’t normally do when they get elevated or dropped a little further down the lineup.
“But Cat plays the same game well, and over and over again.”
Prospects make WJC roster
It’s that time of the year, with rosters being announced for the upcoming world junior championships that begin Dec. 26 this year in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Three recent Red Wings draft picks have been selected to represent their countries at the prestigious tournament.
Max Plante (USA), Carter Bear (Canada) and Eddie Genborg (Sweden), all enjoying outstanding seasons, have been selected.
Plante (2024 second round, 47th overall) played for the gold-medal winning USA team last year. He’s having an outstanding season at Minnesota-Duluth, with 14 goals and 28 points, and a plus-16 plus-minus rating. The 28 points ties Plante with Michigan’s Michael Hage, Will Horcoff and T.J. Hughes for the lead in NCAA Division I.
Bear, the Wings’ first-round pick (13th overall) in June, has shown he’s fully recovered from an Achilles injury late last season. Bear has 13 goals and 27 points for Everett (WHL), with a plus-11 rating, and has been playing some of his best hockey over the last month.
Genborg (2025, second round, 40th overall) continues to show intriguing potential playing for Timra IK in Sweden, with eight goals and 15 points.
Red Wings at Blackhawks
▶ Faceoff: 8 p.m. Saturday, United Center, Chicago
▶ TV/radio: FDSN/97.1
▶ Notable: The Wings (17-12-3) visit Chicago to conclude this season-long, six-game road trip. … The Wings are 3-1-1 on the trip. … Chicago (13-11-6) defeated the Wings 5-1 on Nov. 9, the first game between the teams this season. … Former Red Wing LW Tyler Bertuzzi (16 goals, 26 points) is having a big offensive season for the Blackhawks.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
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